Not content with pocketing one in every three pounds spent on groceries in the UK, the supermarket giant Tesco has now become the first British retailer to smash the GBP2 billion profit barrier. However, Tesco should beware the pitfalls of high street omnipotency - consumers' perception that it has grown too powerful could damage its image in future.

Published By Datamonitor

With its Make a Meal With range of cooked and seasoned meats, Tesco has extended the prepared meal concept beyond simply 'peeling back the film and heating' and created a proposition that obviates the need for time-consuming preparation but still provides an opportunity for consumers to display their cooking skills.

Published By Datamonitor

The Hispanic population in the US has jumped by 42% over the last 10 years to reach 50 million, making it the second largest consumer market after white Americans. The emerging young, bilingual and urban Hispanic population has significant 'cultural capital' and growing spending power, and therefore CPG marketers will have to adjust their strategies to cater for this burgeoning demographic.

Published By Datamonitor

Thresher Group is looking to become a one-stop shop for all that a consumer could want for a good night in. Alongside its alcoholic drinks range it is planning to offer indulgent meals as well as movies to rent. This move highlights a trend towards offering an occasion-specific proposition and the lucrative potential of targeting 'staying in'.

Published By Datamonitor

European consumers are taking an increasingly functional attitude to eating as a result of work, family and leisure commitments, and eating-on-the-go offers the flexibility needed for busy lifestyles. However, time-starved consumers want more than just convenience from on-the-go meals. As well as providing convenience, manufacturers must add health functionality to their products.

Published By Datamonitor

Published By Datamonitor

Chilled ready meals now account for over 50% of the average Briton's spend on prepared meals according to Datamonitor. This makes the UK the only country in Europe where spending on chilled prepared meals exceeds that on frozen meals. The growing popularity shows increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits of fresher food.

Published By Datamonitor

A recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research and Unilever predicts that more than one-third of the UK's population will live alone by the year 2021. Consumer products manufacturers and retailers should not ignore this trend: by tailoring marketing strategies and new products towards single-person households, they will be able to attract the increasingly powerful 'solo pound'.

Published By Datamonitor

In a new round of supermarket price cutting, Asda and Tesco have reduced prices by a total of GBP167 million. Both supermarkets, which together account for 46% of supermarket spending, are advancing their position and threatening the existence of smaller and less profitable rivals as a result.

Published By Datamonitor

Unilever is reportedly debating a sale of its frozen foods unit. Frozen savory food is a low-growth, low-margin market, so Unilever would do well to sell off its Bird's Eye/Iglo/Findus business. However, the same is not true for ice cream, which fits well with Unilever's strategy of building world-leading brands through innovative marketing and new product development.